Global Optical Brighteners Market Size, Forecast, and Trend Highlights Over 2025-2037
Optical Brighteners Market size was over USD 1.42 billion in 2024 and is set to USD 3.14 billion by the end of 2037, witnessing more than 6.3% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of optical brighteners is assessed at USD 1.42 billion.
There has been an increased demand for the product in the textile industry due to its extraordinary properties. The optical brighteners make the appearance of textiles brighter and whiter by enhancing their visual appeal. The proliferating textile industry is fostering the market growth during the assessed time. According to The Observatory of Economic Complexity in 2023, textiles were the world’s 8th most traded product, with a cumulative trade of USD 807 billion.
Additionally, rising usage of optical brighteners in scented laundry care products is bolstering the market in major economies of the world. Optical fibers are added in detergents to permeate through the fabrics. The most common types for the optical brighteners used in laundry are disodium distyrylbiphenyl desulphonat, fluorescent brightner, tinopal CBS-X, etc. These factors are bolstering the market growth in the coming period.
Optical Brighteners Sector: Growth Drivers and Challenges
Growth Drivers
- Rising usage of product in the paper industry: Most of the manufacturers add optical brightening agents to make paper brighter. It works as an ultraviolet light absorbent to further reduce the yellowing process. During the process of paper recycling, optical brighteners are used to the pulp to make the final recycled paper bright. According to the American Forest and Paper Association in 2023, 46 million tons of paper were recycled in the U.S. There is rising emphasis on paper recycling to mitigate the environmental impact, subsequently leading to increased demand for optical brighteners.
- Increased use in paints: Optical fibers or fluorescent whitening agents are used in varnishes and paints to increase the degree of whiteness in combination with dyes. Optical brighteners are preferred due to their high solubility and good dispersibility. According to the American Coatings Association in 2023, Japan (USD 50 million) and South Korea (USD 48 million) were among the top 5 export markets for the U.S. coating and paint products. The entrepreneurs in these developed economies are consuming optical brighteners for making state-of-the-art paint products.
- Wide spreading cosmetics industry: Optical brighteners are used in make-up products to reduce the appearance of dark circles and frown lines on the skin. The penetration of the internet and mushrooming adoption of the smartphone is making people stare at mobile phones for a longer time. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, currently teenagers spend up to 9 hours on screens, causing dark circles. Thereupon, people are applying cosmetics amalgamated with optical brighteners to conceal dark patches on their skin.
Challenges
- Environmental concerns: Toxicity issues with optical brighteners are persistent and can negatively impact the environment. For instance, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disufonate is considered to be severely toxic to aquatic life.
- Adverse health implications: These products are permeable through fabrics and make the user exposed to chemicals. Also, these products are non-biodegradable and it is quite likely that humans and animals may consume them through tap water.
Optical Brighteners Market: Key Insights
|
Base Year |
2024 |
|
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
|
CAGR |
6.3% |
|
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 1.42 billion |
|
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 3.14 billion |
|
Regional Scope |
|
Optical Brighteners Segmentation
Type (Stilbene, Coumarin)
The coumarin segment is estimated to hold 60% share of the global market in the year 2037. Coumarin derivatives are preferred due to their potential to meet environmental regulations and sustainability requirements in plastic manufacturing, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact. Sustainability initiatives have gained prominence worldwide, with increasing adoption of eco-labeling and certification programs. The Paris Agreement that was made at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris legally bound almost 196 countries, making them adopt sustainable choices. In this way ahead, the usage of coumarin reduces the environmental footprint.
End User (Textile, Plastic, Cosmetics)
Optical brighteners market from the textile segment is expected to garner a significant share in the year 2037. FBAs, particularly those used in textiles, are known for their ability to enhance the brightness and whiteness of fabrics. The desire for visually appealing textiles in clothing, home textiles, and industrial textiles is a significant driver for this segment. Manufacturers are using coumarin optical brighteners for making textile manufacturing sustainable. For instance, according to the World Economic Forum in November 2023, consuming and producing garments sustainably could enhance the global economy by almost USD 200 billion by 2030. Also, research and development investments in the textile and chemicals industries have increased worldwide, signifying a commitment to technological advancement.
Our in-depth analysis of the global optical brighteners market includes the following segments:
|
Type |
|
|
End user |
|
Want to customize this research report as per your requirements? Our research team will cover the information you require to help you take effective business decisions.
Customize this ReportOptical Brighteners Industry - Regional Synopsis
Asia Pacific Market Forecast
The optical brighteners market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to hold the largest market share of 38% during 2025-2037. The growth of the market can be ascribed to the flourishing textile industry in the region. In 2024, Asia-Pacific Textile and Apparel Supply Chain Expo & Summit or APTEXPO 2024 acted as a catalyst to aid the stakeholders to understand various novel practices. The meeting particularly discussed implementing green procurement, showcasing sustainable manufacturing. These factors are propelling the growth of the market in the region.
North America Market Statistics
The optical brighteners market in the North America region is projected to hold the second largest share. The growth of the market in the region can be attributed to the rising usage of the product in the packaging industry. It is widely used to enhance the appearance of the packaging and improve its polymer properties. Fast moving consumer goods retailers and companies in the region are also making huge commitments to sustainable packaging. Additionally, in the U.S., rising plastic production is propelling the market growth. According to the Plastics Industry Association in 2023, the shipments of rubber and plastic reached USD 24.9 billion. On the back of rising usage of optical brighteners in plastic manufacturing in the U.S, the market is estimated to witness significant growth.
Companies Dominating the Optical Brighteners Landscape
- BASF SE
- Company Overview
- Business Strategy
- Key Product Offerings
- Financial Performance
- Key Performance Indicators
- Risk Analysis
- Recent Development
- Regional Presence
- SWOT Analysis
- Huntsman Corporation
- Archroma
- Akzo Nobel N.V.
- Clariant AG
- Eastman Chemical Company
- Keystone Aniline Corporation
- Brilliant Group Inc.
- Deepak Nitrite Limited
- Mayzo Inc.
The competitive landscape of the market is rapidly evolving as established key players, manufacturing giants, and new entrants are investing in sustainable practices. Key players in the market are focused on developing new technologies and products catering to the stringent regulatory norms and consumer demand. These key players are adopting several strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and novel product launches to enhance their product base and strengthen their market position. Here are some key players operating in the global market:
In the News
- In December 2024, Kandui Industries emphasized the use of optical brightener for manufacturing plastic, for giving brightening effects and enhancing the overall appearance of the material. The company stated that optical brighteners are an important ingredient for making the product appealing.
- In April 2022, Dorf Ketal joined hands with Khyati Chemicals to diversify revenue stream and enter into the chemicals’ businesses. The Khyati Chemicals is a leading optical brightening business and has a renowned customer base such as Trident India and Unilever.
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
- Report ID: 5271
- Published Date: Mar 28, 2025
- Report Format: PDF, PPT
